Past E-News & CEFS Happenings
Welcome to the E-News archive of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Whether you’re just curious about what we’ve been up to through the years or you’re looking for a specific announcement or article that has come and gone, this is the place to read about it. Here is a list of our recent e-Newsletters:
- March 2026: Warm-Season Crops, Food Businesses, Events and Opportunities
- February 2026: CEFS Program News, Blueberry Pruning, Internships and Events
- January 2026: Ag Analytics, Training Opportunities and Resources
- November 2025: Food & Farm News, Opportunities and Events
- October 2025: Photographic Journey of Veteran Farmers, Field Research Updates, and Fall Events
- September 2025: One Year after Helene, New Graduate Fellows, Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- August 2025: Farm to ECE, Local Farms & Food Profiles, Upcoming Events
- July 2025: Cool Season Fruits and Vegetables, Farm to ECE, & Job Opportunities
- June 2025: Soil in Long-Term Farming Systems, Meat Processing Workshops, and More
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Shironda Brown Receives 2026 NC Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists Award
Shironda Brown, Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Training Coordinator and Extension Associate with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), has received the 2026 NCACES Award for Outstanding Subject Matter Program Developed by an Individual. Brown was nominated by Robyn Stout and Dara Bloom in recognition of her leadership and impact through North Carolina’s Farm to ECE program.
Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is seeking an Apprenticeship Program Coordinator to support, strengthen and expand agricultural apprenticeship opportunities, specifically the Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship and a soon to be developed Sustainable Livestock Production Apprenticeship.
WNC Strong Youth Service Corps News
On April 21st, the WNCStong Youth Service Corps held its orientation program for the new 2026 cohort.
Earth Day Ag Showcase at the Small Farm Unit
CEFS celebrated Earth Day on April 22 at the Small Farm Unit at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, welcoming more than 350 attendees for a sold-out day of hands-on learning and community connection.
Jennifer Badger Receives 2026 CALS Values Award for Integrity
On April 22, 2026, Jennifer Badger, Area Specialized Agent, Agribusiness with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) team, received one of the 2026 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Values Awards for Integrity during the CALS Celebration of Excellence.
Dara Bloom Recognized with NC State Engagement Awards and AHS Faculty Award
On March 24, 2026, Dara Bloom received three awards from NC State's Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement (AOFEE) and the Office of Outreach & Engagement during the Engaged University Awards celebration at the University Club.
Expanding our Impact in Western North Carolina
CEFS is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Dogwood Health Trust and expand our impact in Western North Carolina.
Honoring CORE and Community Food Strategies and Celebrating Their Next Chapters
As part of a federally mandated organizational transition, CORE and Community Food Strategies will move to a new home: Upstream Works Collaborative, where their work can continue to grow and evolve. This transition allows the initiatives to continue their work with focus and flexibility as they enter their next phase.
Expanding Farm to Senior Services in Western North Carolina
CEFS has received a $145,200 Dogwood Health Trust grant to expand Farm-to-Senior Services in Western North Carolina, improving local food access for older adults. The two-year project will strengthen community-based food systems and pilot local food purchasing efforts in McDowell, Burke, and Yancey counties, as well as the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
CEFS-Affiliated Faculty Receive National Recognition for Forages and Grasslands Work
In January 2026, Dr. Matt Poore & Johnny Rogers, leaders of Amazing Grazing, received the Medallion Award at the American Forage & Grassland Council (AFGC) Conference in Asheville, NC!